Your feelings are real
“Thank you so much for your time. Everything was very informative. Growing up and into adulthood you get used to making yourself smaller for other people, I feel so much better knowing that I’m not “dramatic or extra”. How I feel is real. ” – S.C. after an evaluation.
I know I don’t post very frequently on my evaluation website. My podcast publishes on my other website (drlizhypnosis.com) even when the topic is autism, ADHD, or neurodivergence. But I received the quote above recently and thought it’s important for people to know . . . Your feelings are real!
Autistic individuals as well as ADHD are often told that they’re “TOO. . . ”
- Too sensitive
- Too much
- Too dramatic
- Too talkative
- Too hyper
- Too introverted
- Too quiet
You pick but probably you’ve heard at least one of those. Often it’s used to invalidate your feelings, your actions, or even who you are. And it’s often followed by some type of advice. The “Shoulds.”
- You should just relax.
- You should get out more.
- You should sit down (and shut up).
- You should dial it back.
These feel just as awful as the first set. And are often insulting as well. As if you haven’t tried some things already.
Sometimes the person saying them is well-meaning and truly cares about you. Sometimes they’re saying it out of a place of helplessness – they don’t know what to do or how to help someone. But if it happens too much, it starts to feel judgmental or awkward or even un-safe to share your feelings or who you are.
Neurodivergent affirming psychotherapy is hopefully different. It doesn’t see you as broken or wrong. It affirms all of your differences as strengths. Even when we’re working with something you want to change and improve (the emphasis is that YOU decide that – not someone else), it’s working with your ND and hopefully not against it.
Most ND therapists truly enjoy ND clients and there is research that ND people speaking to other ND people literally understand each other better.
You’re not too much being who you are.
If you like, you can get a Free Hypnosis to reduce Fear and Anxiety.
Just a reminder that I do Adult Autism Evaluations and Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy for residents of Florida. Grab your Free Consultation with me to get the deets on working together (the how, the when, the where, and the how much).
